Rochdale Council's chief executive has apologised for the authority's "unforgivable" response to concerns about sexual abuse at a residential school for boys linked to the late politician Cyril Smith. Smith was the subject of sex abuse allegations and investigations over decades during his career, first as a prominent local councillor…

A judge has spoken out about the serious nationwide shortage of secure accommodation for troubled children. Judge Rowe echoed the "frustration" of other senior judges about the situation when she said on Friday that a copy of her findings in the case of a 15-year-old, who can be identified only…

A woman has claimed she was abused at an orphanage run by nuns where the bodies of hundreds of children were "buried" in a mass grave. Theresa Tolmie-McGrane told the BBC she suffered mental, physical and sexual abuse at Smyllum Park Orphanage (pictured) in Lanark in the 1970s. A BBC…

The bodies of hundreds of children who died at an orphanage run by nuns are believed to be buried in a mass grave, a BBC and Sunday Post investigation has uncovered. At least 400 children from Smyllum Park Orphanage in Lanark are thought to be buried in an unmarked grave…

Children in care are twice as likely to have a tooth removed under general anaesthetic, a study has found. Youngsters in care - such as foster care or residential care - are also half as likely to attend dental services compared to the general child population, according to experts from…

A senior judge has expressed concern after being told there is no secure accommodation anywhere in the country for a "troubled and dangerous teenager believed to be involved in serious gangland activity". Mr Justice Hayden said the case of 14-year-old F, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, raised "a…

New research for the Children’s Commissioner for England, by the National Children’s Bureau and Research in Practice, has found recent sources of evidence reflecting the voice of children in care and care leavers, providing new insight into young people’s experience of the care system. The report identifies over 280 sources…

A number of appropriate beds have been identified after a High Court judge warned "we will have blood on our hands" if care is not found for a suicidal teenager upon her release from a secure unit. Sir James Munby, the most senior family court judge in England and Wales,…